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Updated January 10, 2024·
Considering the ASUS ROG Strix G16, it's a bit more expensive but offers a larger screen with a higher resolution, slightly better colors, and comes with a larger battery for extended use. It's great for 3D rendering, machine learning, and engineering tasks due to a powerful processor and graphics card. However, it's heavier and might be less convenient for travel. On the other hand, the MSI Katana 15 is slightly cheaper, with more storage space out of the box and a lighter build, making it more portable. The graphics card is the same as the ASUS which also makes it suitable for gaming and intensive tasks, although its processor is a bit less powerful. However, it has a smaller battery, which could mean shorter usage time between charges. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the ASUS ROG Strix G16
- Very good for engineering and design
- Good overall display quality
- Good battery life
- Very good speakers
Advantages of the MSI Katana 15
- The MSI Katana 15 has no clear advantages over the ASUS ROG Strix G16.
Key differences
Engineering and Design
8.3
7.7
9.6/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.6/10
8.5/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
8.3/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The ASUS ROG Strix G16 is very good for engineering and design, while the MSI Katana 15 is good.
The ASUS ROG Strix G16 offers superior processing power with its higher-end CPU, making it very good for demanding engineering and design tasks, while the MSI Katana 15's lower-tier CPU positions it as a good option for such uses, with the trade-off being the MSI's higher storage capacity. Both laptops have quality screens with high color accuracy, but the ASUS's screen is slightly larger and has a higher resolution, enhancing the visual experience for design work, though it is less portable and has a louder operating noise compared to the slimmer and quieter MSI Katana 15.
Software Development
7.7
7.0
9.6/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.6/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
7.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.5/10
The ASUS ROG Strix G16 and MSI Katana 15 are both good for software development, though the ASUS ROG Strix G16 is somewhat better.
PerfectRec’s Software Development Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for software developers.
Screen Quality
7.5
6.8
16.0in
SIZE
15.6in
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
291.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
258.0 nits
The ASUS ROG Strix G16 has a better screen than the MSI Katana 15 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
When choosing between the ASUS ROG Strix G16 and the MSI Katana 15 for general use, the ASUS may have the edge with a higher resolution and brightness, offering a crisper and more vivid display. For engineering and design tasks, the ASUS also likely stands out due to its wider color gamuts, providing more accurate color representation which is crucial for detailed work. However, for gaming and 3D applications, neither laptop excels because of their lower refresh rates, which can result in less smooth visual performance in fast-paced scenarios.
Battery
9.0 Hours
4.0 Hours
The ASUS ROG Strix G16 has 9 hours of battery life. The MSI Katana 15 has 4 hours of battery life.
Battery life estimate is based on a mix of common use patterns. More portable and higher performing laptops tend to have less battery life.
Build Quality
7.8
7.2
The ASUS ROG Strix G16 and MSI Katana 15 both have good build quality, though the ASUS ROG Strix G16 has somewhat better build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,269
$949
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
The ASUS ROG Strix G16 has a price of $1,269 and the MSI Katana 15 costs $949.
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Key similarities
General Use
7.7
7.5
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
291.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
258.0 nits
9.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
4.0 Hours
7.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.5/10
6.4/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
6.9/10
The ASUS ROG Strix G16 and MSI Katana 15 are both good for general use.
The ASUS ROG Strix G16 features a high-performing CPU, large battery, and a screen with higher resolution and brightness, lending to its suitability for general use with demanding multitasking, but it's heavier which affects portability. The MSI Katana 15, despite a lower-tier CPU, offers a lighter form factor and superior storage, making it well-suited for general use where portability is key and intensive processing power is less critical.
Gaming and AI
7.9
7.6
8.5/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
8.3/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
Yes
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
Yes
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
Yes
7.2/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.0/10
The ASUS ROG Strix G16 and MSI Katana 15 are both good for gaming and AI.
The ASUS ROG Strix G16 boasts a higher refresh rate for smoother visuals and a more powerful CPU for gaming and 3D work compared to the MSI Katana 15, which has a lower screen refresh rate and a less robust CPU. Both laptops are equipped with the same GPU, which is very important for gaming and 3D performance, and have quality IPS displays, although the Strix's slightly higher resolution and screen quality give it an edge in screen fidelity.
Content Creation
7.9
7.4
9.6/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.6/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The ASUS ROG Strix G16 and MSI Katana 15 are both good for content creation.
PerfectRec’s Content Creation Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for photo editing, video editing and other content creation tasks.
Portability
Fair
Fair
16.0in
SIZE
15.6in
5.5 lbs
WEIGHT
4.9 lbs
1.0in
THICKNESS
0.9in
The MSI Katana 15 and ASUS ROG Strix G16 both have only fair portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
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How the ASUS ROG Strix G16 and the MSI Katana 15 compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| ASUS ROG Strix G16 | MSI Katana 15 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$1,269 | $949 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | February 1, 2023 | February 1, 2023 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 13.9'' x 10.4'' x 1.05'' | 14.1'' x 10.2'' x 0.98'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 5.51 lbs | 4.96 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 13.94" | 14.13" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 10.39" | 10.2" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i7-13650HX | Intel i5-12450H | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 16 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 5 | 5 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 2 | 2 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 512 GB | 1024 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 9 Hours | 4 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 90 Wh | 53.5 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 16" | 15.6" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 1920 x 1200 | 1920 x 1080 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 165Hz | 144Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 291 nits | 258 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 7.8/10 | 7.2/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 6.5/10 | 6.9/10 | |
Gaming Laptop Appearance | |||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | Yes | Yes | |
Premium Business Laptop | |||
Premium Business Laptop | No | No | |
Fan Noise Score | |||
Fan Noise Score | 7.3/10 | 7/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 7.5/10 | 7.5/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 8/10 | 7.5/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 720p | 720p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | No | No | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | Yes | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | No | Yes | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 2 | 3 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 2 | 1 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | Yes | No | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 3 | 2 | |
Thunderbolt Version | |||
Thunderbolt Version | 4 | N/A | |
Shopping
ASUS ROG Strix G16
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Dig into reviews and images
NotebookCheck
Marc Herter | March 2023
"With the mobile Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080, the Asus ROG Stix G16 hits the sweet spot between performance and cooling. The G16 also does not have to shy away from direct comparison with its supposedly stronger family member, the ROG Strix Scar 18 with its RTX 4090, as most benchmarks of the two laptops are very close to each other. Moreover, the G16 should be significantly cheaper. Depending on the supplier, the price difference here could be almost US$ 2,000. In the 2023 model series, Asus has significantly leveled out the differences between the two high-end lines."
MSI Katana 15
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Dig into reviews and images
NotebookCheck
Christian Hintze | March 2023
"The MSI Katana 15 B12 combines a Gen12 CPU with an RTX 4050, which is actually not a bad idea for a budget gamer. The CPU is anything but bad and the GPU in the Katana 15 proves to be significantly more efficient than last year's models. However, our main point of criticism for budget gamers is the price: while you can get budget laptops with RTX 3060 from around US$800, you pay a whole US$1,499.99 here! The efficiency advantages of the RTX 4050 do not justify this price premium."
Get a great deal on the ASUS ROG Strix G16 or the MSI Katana 15
About ASUS
ASUS, a Taiwanese electronics brand, is one of the largest personal computer vendor by market share. The majority of their laptops are targeted towards personal use or gaming. Their most popular product lines include the budget-friendly VivoBook, more premium ZenBook, and their TUF and ROG gaming laptops, the latter of which has a reputation for excellent gaming performance.
About MSI
MSI, also known as Micro-Star International, is a Taiwanese technology corporation. MSI is known for their wide range of gaming devices. Their series include the entry-level Cyborg/Thin and Sword/Katana series, the mid-range Bravo/Delta and Crosshair/Pulse series, and their high-end Vector, Raider, Stealth, and Titan GT series. At every performance level, MSI offers a variety of devices with varying balances between performance, battery life, weight, and price, making them a solid option to consider at every price point.
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This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec laptops team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest laptop information and makes it digestible for you.
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Laptops evaluated
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Recommendations made
27,408
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About the laptop team
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